Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

WHEREAS, the health and well-being of Nevada's children are vital to the overall well-being of our state and nation; and

WHEREAS, childhood obesity, defined as having a body mass index percentile at or above the 95th percentile, is a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 1 in 5 children and adolescents nationwide; and

WHEREAS, in Nevada, over 27% of youth have obesity or are considered overweight and in the 2023-2024 school year 21.7% of kindergarteners had obesity; and

WHEREAS, obesity is a chronic disease and children who have obesity are at an increased risk for developing additional chronic diseases and other serious long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and mental health challenges; and

WHEREAS, the prevention and reduction of childhood obesity requires a comprehensive, sustained effort involving families, schools, healthcare providers, communities, and policymakers to create environments that support healthy eating, regular physical activity, and overall wellness; and

WHEREAS, the Healthy Eating Active Living Nevada (HealNV) 5210 Program - an evidence-based public health message of "5 or more fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks, prioritize water each day" - offers a simple and effective framework for families, schools, and healthcare providers to support healthy habits and prevent obesity in children; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health is proud to partner with the Southern Nevada Health District, Northern Nevada Public Health, Partners for a Healthy Nevada, and the Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to encourage Nevadans to adopt healthy behaviors and empower Nevada's youth to lead healthier lives that can reduce the burden of obesity-related health conditions in Nevada; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as

CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH IN NEVADA